Quality of Life

Higher Education

Overland Park is home to the state's largest institution of higher education: Johnson County Community College, where more than 18,000 students are enrolled in credit and continuing education each semester. The University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and numerous other colleges and universities have satellite campuses in Overland Park where working professionals can acquire an additional academic degree, keep up with current business trends, or embark on a new career path. Many institutions offer evening and weekend classes, and you don't have to enroll as a full-time student to take advantage of the knowledgeable faculty, extensive libraries, and research tools at Overland Park's higher learning institutions.

Johnson County Education Research Triangle (JCERT)

• Created in 2008 by a voter-approved 1/8-cent sales tax supporting research, science, and technology across Johnson County.
• Funds buildings, programs, and research at the KU Edwards BEST Building in Overland Park, the Kansas State University International Animal Health and Food Safety Institute in Olathe, and the KU Clinical Research Center in Fairway.
• Projected to generate more than $1.4 billion in economic impact over two decades.

Johnson County Community College* (JCCC)

Enrollment: approximately 18,743 students (2024)
Programs: 86 degrees and certificates across 45 programs of study

• One of the largest single-site community colleges in the country and nationally recognized for academic programming and workforce development.
• Works directly with local companies, community members, and economic development organizations to tailor training to specific workforce needs, alongside recertification, re-licensure, and continuing education courses.
• Home to signature programs and cultural assets including the Workforce Development & Continuing Education center, Hospitality Management & Culinary program, the National Academy of Railroad Sciences, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, and a strong Performing Arts Series.

Kansas State University Olathe Campus*

• Offers graduate degrees, certificates, and undergraduate completion programs focused on animal health, biosciences, food systems, business, and leadership.
• A regional hub for education, applied research, and industry collaboration since opening in 2011, supporting workforce development and innovation across the Greater Kansas City area.
• Features modern facilities and a Food Innovation Accelerator helping entrepreneurs grow food-related businesses.

University of Kansas Edwards Campus*

• Offers more than 60 degrees and certificates across fields like business, cybersecurity, social work, and health sciences, designed for adult learners and working professionals.
• Flexible undergraduate and graduate completion programs tailored to Kansas City metro workforce needs, available on campus and online.
• Conveniently located with modern facilities and strong industry connections that support students in advancing their careers.

Other colleges and universities in Overland Park and nearby:

• Baker University - School of Professional & Graduate Studies*
• Cleveland University - Kansas City*
• Friends University - Kansas City Education Center
• Ottawa University Kansas City*
• Pittsburg State University Kansas City
• Rasmussen University - Kansas City/Overland Park Campus*
• Saint Paul School of Theology*
• University of St. Mary – Johnson County*

*Overland Park Chamber member

Healthcare

Overland Park residents have access to some of the best and most up-to-date medical facilities. Major medical facilities, specialty hospitals, numerous urgent care and emergency medical facilities, and dozens of assisted living, skilled nursing and home health companies provide medical care from birth to the senior years. Community leaders and a philanthropic business community support a large network of nonprofit organizations working to ensure that the increasingly diverse human service needs are being addressed.

Area hospitals are accredited in a wide range of specialties and have medical staff foremost in their fields. The University of Kansas Cancer Center, which has treatment centers in Overland Park, is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the region.

#3 – Best Public Hospitals in the Nation – WalletHub, 2026
#6 – Happiest City in America – WalletHub, 2026
#4 – Lowest Cost of a Medical Visit in America – WalletHub, 2025
#38 – Healthiest City in America – WalletHub, 2025

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission*
Address: 9100 W 74th St, Merriam, KS 66204
Beds: 504

• Comprehensive, whole-person care since 1962, spanning emergency care, heart and vascular care, cancer treatment, behavioral health, mother and baby care, and specialized senior care.
• A team of more than 3,300 employees and nearly 700 physicians serving the Kansas City metro area.
• Earned Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center in 2024 and more than 20 consecutive high safety grades from The Leapfrog Group.

AdventHealth South Overland Park*
Address: 7820 W 165th St, Overland Park, KS 66223
Beds: 62

• Full-service hospital serving fast-growing southern Johnson County, offering 24/7 emergency care, surgical and intensive care, heart and vascular care, advanced imaging, orthopedic care, and integrative medicine.
• A 2024 expansion doubled the Birth Center to 15 modern birth suites with 24/7 OB/GYN coverage and a level II NICU.
• Opened in 2021 with capacity to grow to 85 beds, and added a dedicated critical care unit with new ICU and progressive care rooms in a 2025 expansion.

Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas*
Address: 5808 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Beds: 52

• The only freestanding pediatric hospital in Kansas, with a 52-bed inpatient unit, 24/7 emergency department, and outpatient surgery.
• More than 30 pediatric specialty clinics, including a nationally recognized Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
• A $152 million expansion of the Overland Park campus is underway, further growing pediatric care capacity in Johnson County.

Johnson County Rehabilitation Hospital*
Address: 11325 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210
Beds: 40

• Specialized inpatient facility providing comprehensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• Focuses on recovery from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, major trauma, and medically disabling conditions through individualized, intensive therapy programs.
• A holistic, patient-centered approach supported by advanced technologies and a multidisciplinary team helps patients regain independence.

Menorah Medical Center*
Address: 5721 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66209
Beds: 155

• Full-service, acute care hospital in the HCA Midwest Health network with a medical staff of more than 600 physicians.
• Recognized specialties include cancer care through the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute, a Breast Center of Excellence, bariatric and robotic surgery, neurosciences, orthopedics, and women's health.
• Provides 24/7 emergency services, a neonatal ICU, inpatient rehabilitation, and a wide array of outpatient services.

MidAmerica Rehabilitation Hospital*
Address: 5701 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Beds: 98

• 98-bed inpatient facility specializing in rehabilitation from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.
• Joint Commission-accredited, with personalized therapy programs, 24/7 specialized nursing care, frequent physician visits, and advanced technologies.
• Amenities include onsite dialysis, a cafeteria, free Wi-Fi, and support services delivered by a multidisciplinary team.

Overland Park Regional Medical Center*
Address: 10500 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS 66215
Beds: 343

• 343-bed acute care hospital known for advanced cardiology, surgery, trauma, and women's and children's health, supported by more than 600 physicians and 1,500 staff.
• Home to the region's only Maternal Fetal Health Center, a Level III NICU, a dedicated pediatric center, and Johnson County's only Level II Trauma Center.
• Cutting-edge treatments include robotic-assisted cardiac and orthopedic surgeries and comprehensive neurological care.

Saint Luke's South Hospital*
Address: 12300 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66213
Beds: 171

• 171-bed facility offering 24-hour emergency services, a spacious Birth & Women's Center with a Level IIIa NICU, and the Saint Luke's Rehabilitation Institute with advanced therapies and robotics technology.
• Specialized centers include the Jacobson & McElliott Diabetes & Endocrinology Center and the Goppert Breast Center.
• Earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for eight consecutive years, with recognized excellence in heart attack, heart failure, hip replacement, and knee replacement care.

University of Kansas Health System - Indian Creek Campus*
Address: 10710 Nall Ave, Overland Park, KS 66211
Beds: 18

• Provides surgical and inpatient care along with outpatient specialty services, including The Women's Cancer Center.
• Advanced specialties include medical oncology, breast surgery, orthopedic surgery, and interventional radiology.
• Houses the Center for Advanced Vascular Care, where vascular surgeons, cardiologists, and interventional radiologists collaborate to deliver complex treatments in one location, with interpreter services and valet parking available.

The University of Kansas Hospital*
Address: 4000 Cambridge St, Kansas City, KS 66160
Beds: 910

• Academic medical center known as KU Med, serving as the region's only nationally verified Level I Trauma Center.
• Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care across more than 200 specialties and subspecialties, with nearly 1,000 staffed beds.
• Affiliated with the University of Kansas Medical Center, combining patient care, education, and research for advanced treatments including cancer care, transplantation, and cardiology.

*Overland Park Chamber Member

Housing

Discover why Overland Park is one of the most sought-after communities in the Kansas City metro area – where quality, value, and vibrant neighborhoods come together.

#2 – Best Cities to Buy a House – Niche, 2025
#2 – Best Places to Rent in America – WalletHub, 2024
#4 – Best Cities to be Stuck at Home – LawnStarter, 2024
#6 – Best Places to Live in the US – Livability, 2025

Overland Park attracts homebuyers seeking both high quality and affordability. The average sale price of a home in Overland Park is $586,787 and the average appraised value is $494,615 (Johnson County Appraiser's Office, 2024), reflecting a strong and competitive market. Homes typically sell quickly, often going pending within 16 to 35 days, and frequently receive multiple offers, underscoring high buyer demand.

Established Neighborhoods for First-Time Buyers

For first-time home buyers, the neighborhoods north of 95th Street are especially appealing. These established areas feature picturesque, well-maintained homes dating back to the post-World War II era, offering character and mature landscaping. The City of Overland Park supports these neighborhoods with programs that assist homeowners in maintaining and preserving their properties.

Expanding South: New Communities and Amenities

South of Interstate 435, residential growth has expanded city boundaries as far south as 203rd Street. Here, buyers will find spacious, amenity-rich homes – often at prices that compare favorably to other major markets. New home communities such as Riverstone Valley, Woodmyre, Wild Horse, Walnut Reserve, and Southern Meadows provide a diverse range of options, from affordable new builds to luxury custom homes.

Urban Living and Mixed-Use Developments

Overland Park's housing landscape is evolving with the rise of mixed-use developments, particularly in and around downtown. These vibrant communities blend townhomes, condos, lofts, and apartments with retail, dining, office, and entertainment spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods with a true urban feel. Notable projects include Avenue 80*, InterUrban Lofts, The Promontory, and The Apex at CityPlace.

Number of Housing Units: 89,079 (2020-2024)
Average Household Size: 2.34 (2020-2024)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2020-2024. **Average sale price: Johnson County Appraiser's Office / MLS data, 2024.

*Overland Park Chamber Member

Lifestyle

Overland Park offers residents an active, enriching lifestyle with an exceptional variety of recreational, cultural, and entertainment options. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, sports, arts, or unique entertainment venues, this vibrant community has something for everyone.

#1 – Top Farmers Market in the U.S. – American Farmland Trust, 2022
#2 – Best Places to Raise a Family – WalletHub, 2026
#6 – Happiest City in America – WalletHub, 2026
#8 – Best Places to Live in the U.S. – Livability, 2026

Outdoor Recreation and Parks

• 83 city parks, five public swimming pools, miles of scenic trails, and modern community centers keep residents active year-round.
• Premier sports facilities include the Blue Valley Recreation Commission's Activity Center*, Rec Center @ Hilltop*, and Sports Complex*, the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, and AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk*.
• Nature lovers can explore the 12-acre Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead* and the 300-acre Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens*.

Arts, Culture, and Community Events

• The Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center* houses the Johnson County Museum along with arts and theater programs.
• The Museum at Prairiefire, known for its dichroic glass façade, and the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art* at Johnson County Community College anchor a thriving arts scene.
• A full calendar of community events includes the Clock Tower Concert Series at the Overland Park Farmers Market, live music in city parks, downtown festivals, and special events at the Arboretum.

Unique Entertainment and Nightlife

• Innovative venues offer microchipped golf in climate-controlled hitting bays, bocce, pickleball, axe throwing, immersive escape rooms, and an interactive game show arena.
• A vibrant dining and nightlife scene ranges from lively bars with live music to upscale restaurants with cozy patios, with options for every taste and occasion.

*Overland Park Chamber member

For more information on things to do in Overland Park: Visit Overland Park and the City of Overland Park.

Strong Retail Sales and Economic Impact

• Nearly 18 million square feet of retail space, with hundreds of locally-owned shops alongside nationally recognized retailers and department stores.
• Demand for prime retail space is at an all-time high, especially along Metcalf Avenue and the east-west corridors of 95th, 119th, 135th, and 151st streets.
• Overland Park is a major contributor to Johnson County's retail economy, and continued development along key corridors points to sustained growth.

Major Shopping Centers and Local Retail Hotspots

• Downtown Overland Park* blends historic charm with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and the popular Farmers Market, with mixed-use projects underway adding new multi-family units and ground-floor retail to the city's core.
• Oak Park Mall* – the largest enclosed mall in Kansas with over 200 stores including Nordstrom and LEGO – anchors the local retail scene, joined by open-air centers such as Hawthorne Plaza, Rosana Square, and the Shoppes at Deer Creek Woods.
• The 135th Street corridor is a hotspot, with